Monday, 14 March 2016

The paths to glory lead but to the grave

My latest troops to march off the paint table this week
are 18th century British regulars and, for me, a tentative foray into a more historically documented period.

These Redcoats were purchased after an introduction to
the French and Indian Wars by way of a game of Muskets and Tomahawks at the
start of this year.

When I say tentative, that's probably just typical caution
when straying from the comfortable freedoms of painting fantasy and SF
miniatures to the constraints of the historical arena.

With the exception of a couple of companies of British
WWII troops for Flames of War most of my historical painting has been with Dark
Age miniatures which, I've observed, is often used by fantasy painters as a relatively
easy bridge to the historical.

For example, there is still a lot of conjecture about the types of clothing
and weaponry used in this period. Enough, at least, to lesson any nervousness
about provoking the ire of the historical purists. You still get them though! This probably explains
why games such as SAGA are so popular with both camps.

Now I've scrolled on a
good few centuries I've arrived at a much more historically chronicled period
where accuracy, and therefore the painting, becomes a lot more structured. And challenging too. I'm out of my comfort zone. The uniforms are often quite intricately decorated. Especially the musicians for some reason. They really could give my fantasy figures a run for their money in the 'garish uniform' stakes!

I was asked by a fellow gamer recently, "Why start
with the British?" I found this a rather puzzling question at the time. "Why not!" is
a flippant reply. After all, they are one of the major powers central to this
often overlooked period, (at least on this side of the Atlantic), so its reasonable
to start with one of the larger factions.

However, after learning more about the French and Indian Wars (1754–1763), from the set-piece battles and sieges to the numerous skirmishes - more often
involving a loose alliance of indigenous tribes and settler militia - coupled
with the fascinating exploits of individuals, I'm starting to understand
possible reasoning behind the question. But at least its a starting point for
me. No doubt my collection will start to take on the diversity of combatants as
it expands. So more painting then!

These miniatures are from Warlord Game'sFrench Indian
War British Regular infantry boxed set (£27.50). It contains 12 metal musketeers
(4 shooting, 8 marching) and a 6 man Command group.

Included is a nice little background leaflet with a brief
introduction to the British campaigns and 10 full colour flags (Regimental and King's
Colours) for the 27th, 44th and 55th Regiment of Foot, 62nd Royal American
Regiment and the 1st Royal Scots. Also included are two wire standard poles and metal finials.

I decided to use slightly larger flags, purchased from GMB Designs, who have a comprehensive catalogue of historical flags for 28, 15 and 40mm.

The complete unit painted in the colours of the 44th Regiment of Foot

All the miniatures have nice detailing and needed very little
prep before priming.

Although these miniatures are inevitably
generic for the period, I've painted these in the colours of the 44th Regiment of Foot, aided by various online sources and 'Wolfe's Army' from Osprey
Publishing's men-at Arms books.

The ranks of my 44th Regiment of Foot with brown 'campaign' gaiters

I found this Warlord set a perfect introduction for someone
new to the period. Nice artwork on the front cover and some useful examples of
painted miniatures on the reverse.

Of course, I've done what most us in our
hobby do nowadays - spent far too much time searching around the internet for alternative
miniature producers. There are a few around, so it'll be interesting to see
where I go next with this foray into the French and Indian wars.

View from the Battleshed Barracks

Welcome!

This is my irreverent and occasionallyindulgently narrative journal of my tabletop wargaming and board game misadventures.

A chronicle of my complete lack of generalship marshalling wee miniatures across space and time.

I dabble in most aspects of our hobby - fantasy, SF, historical and everything in between. I moan about my endless scenery and painting projects and I'm not afraid to turn household junk into remote bastions against the Dark Hordes...

The Battleshed

I'm lucky to have a large man-shed, easily accommodating a 8'x4' gaming table, where my fellow wargamers can relax and unleash their armies - regardless the weather outside and the spider count inside!